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Average Beowulf Quiz | 10 Questions | Literature

"Beowulf" is one of the earliest European epics written in the vernacular. It is a poem about man vs. monster.

A multiple-choice quiz by pagiedamon. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
pagiedamon

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
288,423

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
1942

Awards
Top 5% quiz!

Last 3 plays: ramses22 (10/10), sw11 (10/10), GoodwinPD (10/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. For years, King Hrothgar has futilely tried to protect his subjects from the monster Grendel. What group of people does he rule? Hint

The Norse

The Britons

The Swedes

The Danes

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Question 2 of 10

2. The author of "Beowulf" states that Grendel the monster was condemned by God. Why? Hint

He was a child of Cain.

He had killed his first wife.

He rejected Christ.

None of these reasons.

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Question 3 of 10

3. Beowulf arrives to save Hrothgar's honor and defeat Grendel. Which of the following characterizations does not accurately describe Beowulf? Hint

Mighty

Bravest of men

Humble

High born

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Question 4 of 10

4. Women, for the most part, play a peripheral part in "Beowulf". The poem depicts women in all of the roles EXCEPT: Hint

Villainess

Hostess

Hero

Peaceweaver

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Question 5 of 10

5. What does the jealous lord Unferth mock Beowulf about? Hint

Being rejected by a princess

Running away from a battle

Failing to slay a dragon

Losing a swimming race

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Question 6 of 10

6. After Beowulf slays Grendel, who comes to avenge the monster? Hint

Grendel's mother

Satan

Cain

A dragon

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Question 7 of 10

7. Beowulf is defeated by Grendel's mother.

True

False

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Question 8 of 10

8. How does Beowulf eventually become king of the Geats? Hint

King Hygelac and his sons all die, leaving no heirs.

King Hygelac feels Beowulf is superior to himself.

Beowulf kills King Hygelac.

Beowulf wins a bet with King Hygelac and marries his daughter.

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. Beowulf is only able to rule as king for one year.

True

False

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. How does Beowulf die? Hint

His wife kills him in his sleep

A jealous warrior stabs him in the back

He does not die at the end of the poem

Wounds received from his battle with the dragon

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. For years, King Hrothgar has futilely tried to protect his subjects from the monster Grendel. What group of people does he rule?

Answer: The Danes

Hrothgar, probably a legendary figure, is the king of the Danes in "Beowulf". His name is mentioned in other Scandinavian literature, with some degree of consistency, so it is possible that the king in "Beowulf" was based upon some ancient Scandinavian king.

2. The author of "Beowulf" states that Grendel the monster was condemned by God. Why?

Answer: He was a child of Cain.

The author says that God repudiated Cain (for killing his brother Abel) and all of Cain's descendants--which include "ogres, hobgoblins, and monsters". Grendel, being a "child" of Cain because he is a monster, has been rejected by God.

3. Beowulf arrives to save Hrothgar's honor and defeat Grendel. Which of the following characterizations does not accurately describe Beowulf?

Answer: Humble

Beowulf is described (in various translations) as brave, highly born, and mighty. He cannot be considered humble. Being eager for fame, bold, and proud would have been justified in his Germanic background. Humility would generally not have been a virtue of a warrior.

4. Women, for the most part, play a peripheral part in "Beowulf". The poem depicts women in all of the roles EXCEPT:

Answer: Hero

Wealhtheow is Hrothgar's queen. She is the hostess at Hrothgar's hall, Heorot. Hygd is also a hostess seen in "Beowulf", though she is not as important in the story as Wealtheow. Freawaru is called a "peaceweaver" (that is, she brings peace between families through marriage). Grendel's mother, of course, is the main villain in the poem.

In all, there are six women of any note mentioned in "Beowulf": Wealhtheow, Hygd, Freawaru, Hildeburh, Grendel's mother, and Thryth.

5. What does the jealous lord Unferth mock Beowulf about?

Answer: Losing a swimming race

Unferth is jealous of Beowulf and tries to undermine him. Beowulf denies the loss of a swimming race, and contends that he not only won the race, but also fought nine sea-monsters in the process! (Hmm...can anyone say 'exaggeration'?)

6. After Beowulf slays Grendel, who comes to avenge the monster?

Answer: Grendel's mother

Grendel's mother, who is given no name, is described in masculine and monstrous terms. It appears that she is more evil than Grendel himself. She does, however, evince the human traits of love (for her son) and desire (for vengeance).

7. Beowulf is defeated by Grendel's mother.

Answer: False

Beowulf is able to kill her using a special sword, intended for a giant.

8. How does Beowulf eventually become king of the Geats?

Answer: King Hygelac and his sons all die, leaving no heirs.

After King Hygelac dies, his own sons too die. Beowulf is then chosen king of the Geats.

9. Beowulf is only able to rule as king for one year.

Answer: False

He rules for fifty years! He is a wise, famous, and prosperous ruler throughout his reign.

10. How does Beowulf die?

Answer: Wounds received from his battle with the dragon

The dragon that Beowulf fights manages to bite him in the neck. This attack proves to be fatal, and Beowulf later dies. The poem states that Beowulf of all kings "was the gentlest and most gracious of men, the kindest to his people and most desirous of renown".

Source: Author pagiedamon

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